Nigerian international Victor Moses has withdrawn himself from the Nigeria squad to face two friendly international assignments in the coming days, infuriating coach Gernot Rohr.
The Chelsea player injured his calf muscle during the London team’s 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, and as a result he will miss two matches for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria have organised two international friendlies set for the next few days in preparation for qualification campaigns, with a match against Senegal on Thursday, followed by an encounter against Burkina Faso on Monday.
Both matches will take place at the Hive Stadium in London, which would have suited Moses perfectly, as his club team is based in the city, but his injury precludes him from the action on the pitch.
Coach Rohr is reportedly upset with the situation, as the former Liverpool player took part in a Premier League match against Stoke following the calf injury he sustained, when perhaps he should have been rested to be able to represent his country.
Moses reported for Super Eagles duty at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in London in order to prove to the Nigerian national team’s medical staff that he is injured and unavailable for the two matches.
Senegal and Burkina Faso represent two tough sides on the African continent, and they will certainly be excellent preparation for the Nigerians ahead of the 2019 AFCON qualifying campaign, as well as the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, in which the Super Eagles are currently well-placed, with six points from two games in their group.
The Nigerian winger recently extended his contract with Chelsea until 2021.
The talented player has been an important part of coach Antonio Conte’s impressive team this season, with the Blues leading the EPL standings and looking likely to emerge as champions.
His efforts in attack and defence have been a point of praise for those analysing the success of the London club.
This season has been a revelation for the 26-year-old Nigerian, who spent the last few campaigns on loan at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United, struggling to settle and give his best performance for any of the clubs.
